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Nikon announces starter DSLR, five new Coolpix models

updated 11:26 pm EST, Mon January 6, 2014

by MacNN Staff

D3300 offers 24MP, in-camera panorama, 60fps Full HD, more

Camera maker Nikon has used the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas to debut a new line of consumer-oriented Coolpix cameras as well as a replacement for the entry-level D3200 DSLR. It also announced that it will produce a successor to the D4, called the D4S, later this year. The new D3300 now features 24-megapixel shooting, full HD video at 60fps, in-camera panorama and burst shooting. The Coolpix models are mostly point-and-shoot, with one "superzoom" offering.

rear of the D3300

The D3300 includes the same 11-point autofocus system as the D3200, but with an improved Live Guide and can handle up to five frames per second in burst mode. The camera, like most new models from Nikon, no longer includes the optical low-pass anti-moire filter, relying on software for that job. The ISO range on the D3300 runs from 100 to 25,600.

A new lens kit, the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II, will be included with the camera, which is expected to retail for $650. The new lens features a retracting design that makes it lighter and smaller than the previous kit. Nikon also announced a new prime lens that is compatible with both its APS-C DX line as well as the FX full-frame models. The AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G comes with its own SWM focus motor, ED and aspherical lens elements and a big manual focus ring, and will sell for $600.

The five Coolpix cameras include the entry-level L30 ($120), a 20MP CCD-based camera with a 5x zoom, a three-inch rear display and 720p video. It runs on two AA batteries and is available in both black and red models. The S3600 ($140) adds Hybrid VR video stabilization (as do all the higher models), an 8x zoom and a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It is available in a variety of colors, including silver, blue and pink alongside the usual red and black options.

The S5300 ($180) offers a lower-megapixel but higher-quality 16MP CMOS sensor (better for low light shooting) and adds 1080i video at 60fps or 1080p at 30fps. It too has an 8x stabilized zoom, but is only available in a "plum" color. The Coolpix S6800 ($220) builds on the S5300 with a back-side illuminated CMOS sensor (better for higher-ISO shooting), a 12x zoom and built-in Wi-Fi. It is available in white, black or red.

The Coolpix L830 ($300) is a successor to the superzoom L820, and features a 34x zoom lens, a tilting three-inch LCD and two zoom levers (the standard "rocker" style and one on the side of the lens). It runs on four AA batteries and is available in black or red. The AF-S DX Nikkor pancake lens kit for the D3300 will also be available separately for other camera models, priced at $250. All the cameras are expected to hit retail in February.

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